This one-shot takes place in the past and features a team of ’80s creative all-stars…
It’s a quiet tale about the early days of the FBI’s task force against mutants. Way, way back in ’60s X-Men, Professor X was briefly associating with Fred [LAST NAME}, the agent in charge of that effort. He just kinda disappeared from continuity after a few appearances. Now we learn why.
The “President” (kept shrouded, but it has to have been Kennedy if all the other Marvel continuity is correct), proposed violating the civil rights of American mutants, Fred stood up, and was summarily replaced by Henry Gyrich and Valerie Cooper.
This is a very cool way of focusing on the side players of the long and detailed conflict between the government and mutants. It’s a little “preachy” at points, but it’s a great overview of the history of the team.
The team also fights that most deadly of enemies…Second hand smoke! Nice way to work in a public service message!
There’s a second story where some of the younger team members are out in New York shopping and skating and get drawn into a fight against one of Mad Thinkers creations. It’s not as good, but it is always nice to see some Dave Cockrum art.
I didn’t expect to like this. Most X-Men one shots aren’t that great. But I really enjoyed this. Given the serious tone and event-heavy continuity of this period of Marvel books, old-school simple storytelling actually feels fresh.
English (US) · 